How to Make It in America is an American comedy-drama television series created by Ian Edelman that follows the adventures of two enterprising twenty-somethings hustling their way through New York City's fashion scene, determined to achieve their version of the American Dream.
The series aired in the USA on HBO from 14 February, 2010 to 20 November, 2011. There are 16 half-hour episodes in two seasons.
How to Make It in America premiered in South Africa on DStv's Vuzu channel on Tuesday 28 September 2010, at 21h00. See "Seasons" below for seasonal broadcast dates and times.
Season 2 premiered on Vuzu on Thursday 1 March 2012, at 22h30. New episodes broadcast weekly. There are eight episodes in the second and final season.
Season 1
How to Make It in America follows two enterprising Brooklyn twenty-somethings as they hustle their way through New York City, determined to achieve the American Dream.
Trying to make a name for themselves in New York's competitive fashion scene, Ben Epstein (Bryan Greenberg) and his friend and business partner Cam Calderon (Victor Rasuk) use their street knowledge and connections to bring their ambitions to fruition.
With the help of Cam's cousin Rene (Luis Guzman), who is trying to market his own high-energy drink called Rasta Monsta, and their well-connected friend Domingo (Kid Cudi), the entrepreneurs set out to make it big, encountering obstacles along the way that will require all their ingenuity to overcome.
How to Make It in America also stars Lake Bell as Ben's ex-girlfriend Rachel, who is concentrating on her own career and a new relationship; Martha Plimpton as Rachel's boss Edie, an eccentric interior designer; Shannyn Sossamon as Gingy, Ben and Cam's artsy friend; and Eddie Kaye Thomas as David Kaplan, a successful hedge fund manager and high school friend of Ben's.
Creator and first-time writer Ian Edelman collaborated with Emmy nominee Rob Weiss (Entourage) on many of the show's scripts. The pilot and other episodes of the show were directed by Julian Farino.
Season 2
Who will you become to get what you want? That's the question facing enterprising twentysomethings Ben and Cam, as they continue to pound the pavement in New York to make their dreams come true in the second season of How to Make It in America.
Back in New York after a potentially lucrative trip to Japan, Ben Epstein (Bryan Greenberg) and Cam Calderon (Victor Rasuk) hit the ground running, hustling for every opportunity.
The partners scour the downtown scene for new business connections, following every lead they can to get noticed in the ultra-competitive fashion industry and make headway with CRISP, their homemade fashion line of T-shirts and hoodies.
As the stakes get higher, the charming entrepreneurs confront new obstacles in New York City, yet remained determined to achieve the American Dream.
Meanwhile, Ben's ex-girlfriend Rachel (Lake Bell) has returned to New York transformed by a trip to Africa and Europe; Cam's cousin and reformed gangster Rene (Luis Guzman) is marketing his Rasta Monsta energy drink; Domingo (Kid Cudi), Cam and Ben's well-connected friend, is developing his own "entrepreneurial" business; and successful hedge fund manager David Kaplan (Eddie Kaye Thomas) is a big supporter of Ben and Cam's venture.
Attempting to negotiate turbulent romantic waters, Ben finds his relationship with his girlfriend, Julie (Margarita Levieva), tested by Rachel's return, while Cam lands a new girlfriend, Lulu (Nicole Laliberte), who owns a clothing store.
How to Make It in America is executive produced by series creator Ian Edelman, Stephen Levinson, Mark Wahlberg, Julian Farino, Rob Weiss and Jill Soloway.
Seasons
Series exclusive to Vuzu
Season 1 (8 episodes)
Premiere: 28 September 2010 | Finale: 16 November 2010 | Tuesdays, 21h00
Season 2 (8 episodes)
Premiere: 1 March 2012 | Finale: 19 April 2012 | Thursdays, 22h30